Coin selector



L. STEINER COIN SELECTOR March 24, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 1, 1948 INVENTOR. L 0 01.5 .s TEINER L. STEINER 2,632,547

com SELECTOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 24, 1953 Filed April 1, 1948 ,y-rroelv 'Y L, STEINER COIN SELECTOR March 24, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 1, 1948 lNl/ENTOR Lav/5 JT'E'I By W m Patented Mar. 24, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I COIN SELECTOR 7 Louis Steiner, Belle Harbor, N. Y.

Application April 1, 1948, Serial No. 18,443

This invention relates to coin selectors of a type suitable for use in connection with coincontrolled mechanisms, and more particularly to a coin selector adapted to detect and entrap coins which are of improper size or are underweight,

said coin dislodging means.

I A further object of the invention is to provide in combination with said discharge gate a means for forcing moving coins against a coin gauge whereby undersize coins may be accurately detected and the movement thereof arrested.

Still another object of my invention is to provide in combination with the aforesaid discharge I gate a movable magnetic means arranged to be retracted from a position in contact with said gate upon the opening of the latter whereby an area within the coin selector will be demagnetized and ferromagnetic coins arrested within said area may fall therefrom.

A further object of my invention is to provide in aco-in selector having a coin gauge for detecting undersize coins mean for causing coins to approach said gauge at uniform speeds. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in

Which:

Fig. .1 is a front elevational view of a coin selector embodying my invention, certain of the parts being cut away for clearness of illustration; Fig. 2 is a rear elevational view of the same;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 33 in Fig. 1; V

Fig. 4 is a sectional view similar to that shown in Fig. 3 but illustrating the parts of the coin selector in position to eject an arrested coin;

5 Claims. (Cl. 194-102) 2 F Fig. 7-11 is an end view taken from the right of Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view7of a trap portion of the plat-e shown in Fig.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary end view taken from the right of Fig. 8; i

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the plate illustrated in Fig. '7 bringing out the details of a pivot pin supporting means;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary end view taken from the right of Fig. 10; i

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of another portion of the plate shown in Fig. 7 showing means for supporting a magnet holder comprising :a part of the coin selector;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary end view taken from the right of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a detailed view of a bearing pin adapted to be received by the plate shown in Fig. 7 for supporting a pivot pin upon which a'coin discharge gate is mounted.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral I5 designates a supporting plate which, in

the present embodiment of the invention, serves as an integral part of my coin selector. Said plate may be of an irregular outline having an upper right-hand side edge It (as viewed in Fig. l) and lower right-hand side edges I1 and Hi, the latter of which may extend to the lower portion of the plate upon which may be provided Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the coin selector I taken onthe line 55 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a similar view taken on the line 6-6 inFig. 1;

suitable means (not shown) for mounting the plate in a coin controlled vending machine, for example. The plate may be defined on its lefthand side (again as viewed in Fig. l) by edges I9, 20 and 2| and at its top by a top edge 22 on which may be formed an offset portion 23 adjacent the edge l6.

Upon the front side 24 of the support plate l5 tortuous coin passagesili, 26 and 21 may be formed by spaced ribs integral with the plate, the forward side of said passages being closed by a cover [5a which may be attached to the support plate as by screws l5b. Said passages may communicate at their lower ends with any desired coin ope-rated mechanism (not shown), as. for example, a coin operated release mechanism of the type for freeing a vending machine for operation when suitable coin-s have been received.

The upper ends of the passages communicate, re-

spectively, with vertically disposed coin passages 28a, 29a and 30a which may be formed integrally with the plate I5 (Fig. 7) and in turn communicate, respectively, with diagonally disposed coin f of :the opening 51. i lower edge 69' which is slightly above. the: rib 4|,

passages 28, 29 and 33 which have -open ends adjacent the edge It for receiving coins.

The passage 28 is defined along a portion of its upper side by a rib 3| which is disposed along the edge portion 23 of the plate l and has upon its lower end a boss 32 which has an edge 33 formed transversely of the rib and extending into the passage. A rib 34 extends fromthe boss 32 diagonally downwardly toward the edge 2|, of the plate I5, said rib 34 being parallel to the upper edge 22 of the plate and being disposed in .ofiset relation to the rib 3|. The rib 34 has formed on its lower side a projecting edge portion 351which extends into the passage 28, and both the rib and the boss 32 have formed therein" a longitudinal notch 35 which extends parallel to -the upper edge 22 of the plate I5. Spaced slots 31, 38, 39 and 40 disposed transversely of the rib 34 areformedin the plate I5.

" j -The lower edge of the passage 28' is defined by I a diagonal rib 4! which is disposed parallel to the :Lrib 34. and provided with an upwardly extending :portion '42 adjacent the-edge I5 of the plate I5.

The lower end of the rib ll is disposed inzspaced 1 1-. relation tothe edge 2| of the plate i 5 at. the upper end of the interconnectingcoin passage. 28a.

.' Formed on said edge 25 isazrib. which defines 1. the .outer edge of the coin passage 28a and which 1; is provided. with. an arcuate-inneredge 45 disposed opposite the lower end of the'ribi 4|. An

:arcuate slot 4811s formed in the plate between the lower end of the rib 4| andthe arcuate; inner edge '1: 45. oftherib 44.

A 'rectangularopening All. is: provided in the -.p1ate I5 in the upper portion of the coin passage T7 28 below the projecting edge portioni35 of the rib 3 A portion ofthe plate belowthe opening is formed to provide a beveled wall section 48 1 hwhich extends above the rib GI to the lower edge The wall section 48 has a and extends parallel to the latter. The dimen- 5ll.of.the opening l! is slightlyiless than the di- ;2 ,-ameter of agenuinequarter and the space betweenzthe rib: llrand'the lower surface of the ziprojecting edge portion 35 ofithe rib 35 is slightly greater than the diameter oia genuine quarter.

Holes 5| extending through the plate I 5 transzzversely'ofthenotched portion 35 of the rib 34 are disposed adjacent the slots 3?; 38-, 39 and 49, ,nand formed upon the uppermost edge 22 of the' ;.plate -|5 adjacent the'edge 2| an ofiset with re- -spect thereto is an integral bracket 52 on the face 3'; of which is provided a longitudinal notch 53 disposed parallel to the notch 35 in the rib 34.

:The: coin passage 29 may be adapted to receive -.-:dimes introduced therein at the edge I5 and is defined alongits loweredge by the upper edge ofa rib 54 which, like the ribs 34, it and 44, may be .formed'integral with the face of the plate I5. -ZIhe rib. 54 is parallel to the ribv ii and may be ...spaced therefrom adistance sufficient to permit adimeto roll down the former.

. cludes a. downwardly. projecting. boss 32 similar The rib 4| into that on the rib 3|, and said boss may also 4 have an edge 33 extending transversely of the rib and into the passage 29. The rib 4| is provided with a longitudinal notch 58 which is intersected by slots 59 and disposed adjacent the ends of the notch, and holes 6| corresponding to the holes 5| are provided adjacent the slots. Extending downwardly from the lower end of the ribAI is.a rib 62 formedwithan arcuate inner 2 edge 63 which is disposed oppositethe lower end of the rib 54, and another arcuate slot 46 is formed in the plate l5 between the lower end of the rib 54 and the arcuate inner edge 63 of the ".rib 62.

A rectangular opening 65 is provided in the plate l5 in the upper portion of the coin passage 29 below .thewprojecting edge portion 35 of the rib 4|. A portion of the plate below the opening 65 is formed to provide a beveled wall section 66 defined by a lower edge 6! which is spaced slightly aboveithe' upper. edge of. the rib 54 and =rextends parallel-thereto. .The upper "edge of the opening 65 istdisposedslightly below the projec- -tion= 35; and issparallel to the latter. The dimensions ofthe beveled wall 56 and the opening 65'may besuch as to accommodate anundersize dime resting in a leaning or tilted position against therwall section 66 withitslower edge :on the rib and with the upper portion of the disposed in the notched portion-58 above the projection 35fof..;the rib. 4|. .1 The wall adjacent "gthelowervedge of the .:slot" 58 includes a tapered portion 6821 (Fig. 3). extending if-rom the edge of :the slot to therear surface of the-plate I5.

.1 The coinspassage '39 may be of asize suitable for: receiving'nickels introduced'into the same adjacent the edge I6 and is defined by the lower edge of therib 54 and by arib 69 parallel .there- "J -to; .yT'he'rib' 54 is similar to the rib ll-and includes a: boss 32; an edge 33," and a projection 35. Therib 54 is also provided with a longitudinal notch 58,-slots 59 and 5G and holes 6 I. Extending downwardly; from thelower. end ofthe rib 54 is a rib 62a which is formed with an arcuate inner edge 63a. The-spacedm'bs 62 and 62a define the aforesaid coin passage 29a which interconnects :the lower end of the coin passage 29 and the upperend of the coin passage 26. A third arcuate slot 46 is formed in the plate I5 between the lower end of the rib 69 andthe arcuate inner edge -1 53a of the rib 62a. Said coin passage 30 is provided'with arectangular opening 65, a beveled '.W3,11"S8CtlOl'1 66a; and a slot B8awhich are similar to-the corresponding parts in the passage 29, except that the dimensions of the beveled wall (section 68a andtheopening 65a are such as to acconimodate, for. example, an undersized U. S.

nickel'resting in a leaning position against the beveled wall with its lower edge on the rib 69 and --itsupperportion extending into the opening 65a.

The forward side of-the-coin passage 28 is normally closed'by a cover plate l0 (Figs. 1 and of the plate -3) Said plate T9 isv of a configuration generally conforming to the shape of the side of the coin passage 25 and is provided with a downwardly extending portion Ilia which is adapted to cover the interconnecting coin passage 2811. An upper edge ii at one side of the plate 19 registers with the upper edge 22 of the. plate i5and a centrally disof spaced apertured ears 12a which extend transsversely of the plate and are adapted to be received in theslots 31, 38, 39 and 49 in the plate I5 with the apertures in the ears 12a in alignment with the notch 36 in the rib 34. Means are provided for pivotally mounting the plate I9 on v the plate I5 and to this end, there are provided pins I3 (Fig. 14) formed Wit-h transverse bearin I openings I3aat one end and screw threads at openings 13a in the pin I3 and the apertured ears 12a. of the plate I9 are pivotally supported thereby to provide a pivotal mount for the plate I9.

Said pivot pin is longitudinally disposed in the notch 36 in the rib 34 and may be adjusted therein by adjusting the position of the pins I3 by turning the nuts I4. The rib 34 is provided with a longitudinalbeveled edge 34a (Figs. 3 and 13) which extends from the notch 36 to the edge 22 of the plate I5. This beveled edge 34a accommodates the upper edge II of the plate I9, when the latter is pivoted outwardly from the coin passage 28 about the pivot pin 75, and acts as a stop for limiting the extent of the pivoted movement of the plate (Fig. 3).

The plate I9 has provided therein a rectangular Opening I9 disposed opposite to and in overlapping relation with the opening ll and the tapered wall section 48 on the plate I5 (Fig. 1). A thin tilting plate TI is pivotally mounted on the plate 19 by a pin I9 which is journalled on grooved bosses. I9 disposed on either side of the lower portion of the opening I6 (Figs. 1 and 4). The plate IT has a diagonal upper edge 89 which is disposed in a manner such that the upper end of the plate projects through the opening I9 in the plate I9, across the passage 28, and into the opening 41 in the plate I5 for a purpose here normally closed by a plate at similar to the plate I9 and comprising a downwardly extending por tion 86 which ordinarily covers the interconnect ing coin passage 29a. The upper edge of the plate 95 is defined by an edge portion Bl (Fig. 1) which has formed thereon transversely disposed aper- -tured ears 88 received in the slots 59 and 69 in the plate I5. The apertures in cars 88 are aligned with the longitudinal notch 59 in the rib 9! and a pivot pin89, for pivotally supporting the plate 85, is disposed in the notch 53, passed through the apertured ears 89 of the plate 85, and journalled at each of its ends in apertured pins I3 which are disposed in the holes 6| in the plate I5 and adjustably secured by nuts It as in the manner previously described.

The plate '85 is also provided with a transversely disposed flange 99 which extends from the upper edge thereof and projects through the slot 68 in the plate I5 (Fig. 3).

The rib 4| is provided with a groove Ma. which extends upwardly fromthe notch 53 (as shown in Fig. 11) and accommodates the upper edge 81 of the plate on each side of the flange 99 when said plate 85 is pivoted outwardly from the coin passage 29 about the pivot pin 89. The surface of the groove thus acts as a stop for limiting the movement of the pivoted plate. The plate 85 is provided with a rectangular opening 1'6, similar to the corresponding opening 16 in the plate I9, and is disposed opposite to and in overlapping relation with the opening 65 in the plate I 5. A thin tilting plate TI, similar in all respects to the corresponding plate on the plate 19, is pivotally mounted adjacent the opening I6 in the plate 85 and is adapted to be pivoted so as to project through said opening, across the passage 29, and into the opening in the plate I5.

The coin passage 39 and the interconnecting coin passage 39a are normally covered by a pivoted plate 9-3 which is similar in all essential details to the plate 85 and includes a transversely disposed flange 99a which extends through the slot 38a in the plate I5 and a small pivoted plate corresponding to the plates 1! on the cover plates I9 and 85.

A magnet holder, indicated generally by the numeral 95, is pivotally mounted on the bracket 52 and comprises a channel-shaped member 96 having apertured ear portions 91 extending transversely of its upper end. The member 96 is mounted on a pivot pin 98 which is received by ears 9! and journalled in the notch 53 of the bracket 52. The pin 98 may be retained in said notch as by a cover plate 99 spanning the notch and screwed to the bracket (Fig. 6). The channel member 96 comprises a wall portion I99 and flange portions IIlI adapted to ride on the outer surface of the plate I9 as shown in Fig. 6. A magnet I92 is attached to the inner surface of the wall H19 and a pair of horizontally spaced magnetizable steel pins I93 are fitted in "appropriate transverse openings therefor in the plate I9. Each of the pins I93 is disposed opposite one of the poles of magnet I92 and it will thus be understood that when the poles of the magnet I92 are in contact with the pins I93 in the plate I9, a magnetic zone is created in the coin passage 28 between the plate Illand the plate I5.

The plate H1 has fixed thereon, adjacent its lower edge, an offset bracket I94, similar to the member 95, which extends downwardly to a position overlapping a portion of the upper part of the plate 95. The bracket I94 has attached to its inner surface a magnet I92 similar tothat previously described, and the plate 35 is provided with a pair of steel pins I93 which are disposed therein opposite the poles of the latter magnet I 92. The plate 85 is, in turn, provided with a bracket I940. which is adapted to overlap an upper portion of the plate 93 and support a magnet I92 in a position opposite steel pins I93 also provided in the plate '93. It is thus apparent that the magnets I92 create magnetic zones in the lower ends of the coin passages 28, 29 and 39 when said magnets are in contact with the pins I93, and it follows that the magnetic efiect is broken upon the pivoted movement of the plates I9, 85 and 93, which cause the member 95 and the brackets I94 and IBM, respectively to move outwardly from the next lower plate and thus effect a separation of the magnets I92 from their respective magnetizable steel pins I93.

For ejecting undersize or oversize coins trapped in the coin passage 29, a pusher member, indi-- cated generally by the numeral I95, is mounted on the flange 8| on the upper portion I2 of the plate I9. The member I95 comprises a wall I96 (Fig. 2),attached by screws or otherwise fixed tothe flange BI, and a downwardly extending wall II disposed to the rear of the plate I and substantially parallel thereto. On the lower end ofthe wall I91 is formed a downwardly and inwardly extending portion I08, the lowermost end of which is disposed opposite the opening 41 in plate I5, as shown in Fig. 3. Said lower end of the portion I08 supports the upper end of the pivoted tilting plate II which extends through the opening I5 of the cover plate I0, across the passage 28, and into the opening 41 in the plate Another pusher member, indicated generally by the numeral I09, is secured to the flange 90 on the upper edge of cover plate 85 and comprises a wall Hllupon which is provided an upstanding apertured lug III (Fig. 4). The member I09 further includes a vertical wall portion H2, extending downwardly from the wall H0, from which extends a wall I I3 parallel to wall I I0 and directed toward the plate I5 (Fig. 3). An outwardly projecting lug I I20. is provided on the wall I I2, and from the wall H3 there extends downwardly and inwardly an inclined portion I I4, the lowermost end of which is disposed opposite the opening 95 in the plate I5. The lower end of the por tion H4 is adapted to support the upper edge of thepivoted tilting plate II which, as above explained, extends through the opening I6 in the cover plate 85, across the passage 29, and into the opening 65 in the plate I5. The cover plate 93 is also provided with a pusher member, shown generally at IBM, which is similar in all respects to the member Hi9 previously described, and is mounted on the flange 90a of the cover plate 93. This latter pusher member has a lower end disposed opposite the opening 65a in plate I5 and supports the uppermost end of the plate II which is pivotally mounted upon the cover plate 93 and extendsthrough the opening I6 therein into the opening 65a of the plate I5.

For imparting pivotal movement to the cover plate I0 a diagonally disposed link H9 may be provided to the rear of the plate I5, one end of the link being pivotally engaged in the aperture in the ear 82 formed on the flange 8| on the uppermost edge of the plate 10 (Fig. 2). It will readily be understood that when the link is pulled downwardly the plate In will be pivoted outwardly from the coin passage 29 about the pivot pin I5 as is best shown in Fig. 4, the slanted surface 34a at the upper edge of the plate I5 serving to limit the extentofthe pivotal movement. Any suitable means may be provided for imparting downward movement to the link H9 and the specificmeans used for this purpose may depend upon the installation with which my coin selector is employed. For example, if the coin selector is employed in a position above a coin changer or a coin operated release mechanism in a merchandise vending machine, the link H0 may be operatively connected with the mechanism for operating the coin changer or release mechanism, as the case may be. In other installations the link H9 may be operatively connected to a suitable hand-operated slide or lever;

A pin I is mounted substantially horizontally in the pairs of apertured ears 83 and 84 on the upper portion I2 of the cover plate I0 and a link I2I, having an offset portion I22 at its upper end (Fig. 5)., is pivotally mounted-upon said pin. The lower end of the link I2 I is pivotally connected to the lug III on the. pusher member I09 by a pivot screw I23 and it will thus. be understood that the"pivoting-movement of the cover plate I0 produced by downward movement of the link H9 will be transmitted to the cover plate 85 through the link I2I and the member I09. A coil tension spring I24, secured at one end to the upper edge 22 of the plate I5 and at its other end to the lug II2a on the pusher member I09, is adapted to return the cover plates I0 and 85 from pivoted positions to their normal positions, closing the sides of coin passages 28 and 29, respectively. This action may be made more positive by the use of a supplementary coil tension spring I secured at one end to a suitable bracket mounted on the upper edge 22 of the plate I5 and at its other end to a lug portion I26a on the link I2I (Fig. 4).

A link I2 Ia pivotally interconnects the pin I20 and the lug III on the pusher member I09a mounted on the cover plate 93 in order that the latter plate will be pivoted to an open-position simultaneously'with the plates I0 and 85. Coil tension springs I24a and I 25a may extend from the pusher member [09a to the upper edge of the plate I5, in a manner similar to the springs I25 and I 24a, for retracting the 'cover plate 93 to its normal position after having been pivoted.

For detecting underweight simulated coins which pass through the coin passages 28, 29 and 30, balancing levers I26 are mounted upon the rear side of the plate I5, on pivot pins. I21, at points corresponding to the centers of curvature of the arcuate slots 46, respectively. The levers I26 may be secured on the pivot pins as by cotter pins I28, and the levers I26 may each comprise an arm I29 having a transversely disposed lug I at the outer end thereof. The lugs I30 extend through the arcuate slots 46 in the plate I5 and are thus disposed transversely within the short interconnecting coin passages 28a, 29a and 30a. Weights I3| are mounted on the extremity of another arm I32 of the lever I26, said weights on the individual balancing levers being selected so as to counterbalance a simulated coin or object falling onto the lug I30 provided said simulated coin or object has a weight less than that of a genuine coin. A genuine coin on the other hand will be heavy enough to counterbalance the weight, thereby rotating a lever I25 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4, and permitting the coin to pass downwardly into the communicating coin passage 25, 26 or 21, as the case may be.

In the operation oflmy' coin selector, coins may be inserted into, the coin passages 28, 29 and 30 at the open ends thereof adjacent the upper side edge I6 of the plate I5. A genuine quarter, for example, inserted into the passage 29 will roll down the same, pass beneath the projection 35 and move past the opening 4! and in so doing will tilt the pivoted plate TI out of the passage by making contact with the diagonal edge of saidplate. The quarter will then be received on the balancing means I26 and, being of the proper weight, will rotate the lever arm I29 to permit the coin to fall through the passage 28a into the communicating coin passage 25. If the inserted coin is of a diameter greater than that of a genuine quarter, the coin will be stopped by the projection 35 inasmuch as the space between the projection 35 and the rib II is but slightly greater than the diameterof a genuine coin. The forward edge of the arrested oversize coin will be disposed partially over the opening 4'! and, by pulling the link H9 downwardly the cover plate I0 will be pivoted outwardly from the coin passage 28, simultaneously.- causing' the pusher member I05 to enter the opening 41, dislodge the coin from its arrested position in th passage and causeit to fall vertically along the outside of the coin selector. The rejected coin may be returned to a customer, for example, by means of appropriate chutes or the like (not shown).

If the coin inserted into the passage 28 is undersize, it will roll down the passage on the upper edge of the rib il until it reaches the opening 41. Because the diameter of the undersize coin is of a measurement less than the space between the rib 4i and the upper edge 50 of the opening 41, the presence of the tiltin plate H in the passage will force'the coin toward the beveled wall portion 48 immediately below theopening 41; It will be understood that the undersize coin wil be thus arrested in the opening 41 in an inclined position against the wall portion 48. Upon pulling the link I I9 downwardly, the plate I will be pivoted outwardly uncovering the coin passage 28 and simultaneously causing the pusher member I to move through the opening ii into contact with the undersize coin to eject the same from its arrested position in the same manner as previously described with regard to an oversize coin.

If the inserted coin is of normal size but underweight, the'coin will move along the upper edge of rib 4|, displace the tilting plate I1, and roll past the opening 41 to the lower end of coin passage 28. Upon reaching the balancing means I 26, the coin will come to rest on the lug I30 thereof. Because the coin is underweight, it will not rotate the lever and will be retained on the lug I30 until the cover plate .70 is pivoted to an open position in the manner above described whereupon said coin will fall outwardly and downwardly, to be returned to the customer in the manner previously stated. In the event a subsequently inserted coin is used to increase the weight applied to the balancing means H26, with a View to causing rotation of the lever I29, the first underweight coin retained by the lug E30 will be wedged in the arcuate edge 45 on rib M as shown in Fig. 1. The wedging action of the first coin will prevent following coins from weighting the lever arm to cause rotation there of.

If a slug or coin containing magnetic material is inserted into the coin passage 28, the coin or slug will roll down the passage until it reaches the lower end portion thereof where it will enter the magnetized zone created by the magnet I02 and the pins I63 and be arrested against the inner surface of the cover plate I0 by the magnetized pins I03, the magnet I02 being in contact with the outer ends of the pins as shown in Fig. 5. Upon operating the link N9, the pivoted outward movement of cover plate I0 will cause the pivoted magnet holder 95 to assume a position, with respect to cover plate i0, wherein the magnet I02 is separated from the pins [03, as shown in Fig. 6. The pins I03 will thereupon be demagnetized, causing the coin to drop from its position adjacent the inner face of the plate I0 downwardly outside the coin selector. The magnetic coin may be returned to the customer in the same manner as previously described.

It will be noted that the entry portion of coin passage 28 is defined by the rib 23 together with the vertical projecting edge 33 and the raised rib portion 42 which produces an offset in the passage. Coins inserted intothe passage strike the projection 33 and the moving speed of said coins is thus reduced in order that all coins will approach the coin'i'rieasuring opening and the balancing means I26 at substantially a uniform speed, thus increasing the eiiiciency and accuracy with which improper coins will be arrested within the coin selector.

The genuineness of coins inserted into coin passages 29 and 3B is tested therein in a manner identical to that above described in connection with the coin passage 28. Slugs or coins containing magnetizable material inserted into the passage 29 will be arrested on the inner surface of the cover plate due to the action of the magnet E02 mounted on the bracket portion I04 of the plate 10 and overlying the steel pins I03 in the plate 85. Upon pulling the link I Is, the cover plates 50 and 85 will be pivoted outwardly to cause the magnet I02 on the bracket portion I04 of the plate iii to separate from the pins I03 on the plate 85, as shown in Fig. 6, and the counterfeit coin or slug will then drop downwardly outslde the coin selector to be recovered in the manner previously described. Similarly, a slug or the like of magnetic material inserted into the passage 36 will be arrested against cover plate 93 in the passage by means of the magnet I02 mounted on the bracket portion Nita of the plate 8:1, said magnetnormaiiy being in Contact with the pins Hi3 mounted in the plate 93. The slug so arrested may be removed from its arrested position in a manner identical to that described above.

The foregoing description has been given for ciearness or understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

I claim:

1. A coin selector comprising: an inclined coin passage having an opening in a side thereof; a depression in said side ad acent said opening for entrapping an undersize coin; a coin gate enclosing a second side of said coin passage, said coin gate being movable to provide a second opening in said passage; a tilting plate normally disposed across said passage adjacent said depression for guiding undersize coins into said depression, said plate having a beveled edge adapted to be contacted by a proper coin whereby the plate may be moved to non-obstructing position by such a coin; and a finger movable through said first opening and into contact with said entrapped undersize coin for dislodging the latter from said depression and expelling the same from said passage through said second opening.

2. A coin selector comprising: an inclined coin passage having an opening in a side thereof; a depression in said side adjacent said opening for entrapping an undersize coin; a coin gate enclosing a second side of said coin passage, said coin gate being movable to provide a second opening in said passage; a light pivoted plate mounted on said coin gate opposite said depression and normally disposed across said passage for guiding undersize coins into said depression, said plate being movable by a proper coin to non-obstructing position; and a finger movable through said first opening and into contact with said entrapped undersize coin for dislodging the latter from said depression and expelling the same from said passage through said second opening.

3. A coin selector comprising: an inclined coin passage having an opening in a side thereof; a depression in said side adjacent said opening for entrapping an undersize coin; a coin gate enclosing a second side of said coin passage, said coin gate being movable to provide a second opening in said passage; a finger movable through said first opening and into contact with said entrapped undersize coin for dislodging the latter from said depression and expelling the same from said passage through said second opening; and a guide member normally disposed across said passage for guiding undersize coins into said depression, said member being pivotally mounted upon said coin gate and having an end supported by said finger.

4. A coin selector comprising: an inclined coin passage having an opening in a side thereof; a depression in said side adjacent said opening within which an undersize coin may be entrapped; a coin gate enclosing a second side of said coin passage, said coin gate being movable to provide a second opening in said passage; an entry passage through which coins pass before enterin said coin passage, said entry passage being ofiset relative to the coin passage;- a surface projecting into the path of coins passing from said entry passage into said coin passage whereby the speed of rapidly moving coins-will be-reduced and all coins moving in said coin passage will approach said depression at substantially the same speed; and a finger movable through said first opening and into contact with an undersize coin entrapped in said depression for dislodging said coin from said depression and expelling the same from said coin passage through said'secondopenmg.

5. A coin selector comprising: an inclined coin passage having an opening in a side thereof; a depressionin said side adjacent saidopening within which an undersize coin may be entrapped; a coin gate enclosing a second'side oi said coin passage said coingate being movable to provide a second opening in said passage; an

entry passage through which coins pass-before entering said coin passage, said entry passage being offset relative to the coin passage; a surface projecting into the path of coins passing from said entry passage into said-coin passage whereby the speed of rapidly moving coins will be reduced and all coins moving in said coin passage will approach said depression at substantially the same speed; a movable guide member normally disposed across said coin passage adjacent said depression for guiding undersize coins into said depression; and. a fingermovable through said first opening and into contact with an undersize coin entrapped in said depression for dislodging said coin from said depression and expelling the same from said coin passage through said second opening. 7 v

LOUIS STEINER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

" UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 652,111 Fritsche Apr. 30, 1907 1,701,875 Du Grenier Feb. 12, 1929 1,935,662 'Peterson Nov. 21, 1933 2,033,930 Du Grenier Mar. 17, 1936 2,073,949 Scofield Mar. 16, 1937 2,170,897 Hoban Aug, 29, 1939 2,186,862 Fry 'et al Jan. 9, 1940 2,3l0 637 Hoyt Feb. 9, 1943 2,422,867 Wallin June 24, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Number I Country 7 Date 599,608 Germany July 5, 1934 

